Bordeaux is facing a significant challenge with its cheaper red wines. The market for AOP Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur has declined by 50% over the last five years due to changing consumer preferences, tariffs, and climate change. As a result, many producers are uprooting their vineyards. In a strategic response, the Bordeaux region has reintroduced… Read More »
On hearing the term "prestige cuvée," many seasoned wine lovers instantly think of esteemed Champagne offerings that signify the pinnacle of a producer’s winemaking ambition. A renowned example is Dom Pérignon, released first in 1936, often associated with exceptional vineyard sites and collaborations with the realms of art, fashion, and luxury. As the popularity of… Read More »
Domaine Saint Amant is situated at a high elevation of 600 meters, encompassing 32 hectares of vineyards around the village of Suzette. Founded in 1992 by Jacques Wallut, the winery was established after he transitioned from a technology business. Upon his retirement at 65, he acquired vineyards that were largely in poor condition. Determined to… Read More »
It was a pleasure to once again sit down with Thomas Bachelder, one of Canada’s premier winemakers. Accompanied by Geoffrey Moss, Rhys Pender, and Jeremy Bonia, we had just wrapped up judging at the WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada, where Thomas had generously lent us a couple of guitars for the week. Before heading… Read More »
When Youmna and Tony Asseily purchased a derelict château in Bordeaux, they had no intention of entering the wine business. This year marks two decades since they acquired Château Biac, which they have meticulously restored, turning it into a beloved hidden gem of the region. Originally from Lebanon, the Asseilys had spent years balancing their… Read More »
Raúl Moreno, hailing from Sevilla, has carved a niche in the world of wine by producing remarkable unfortified wines from sherry country. His journey began in London at the age of 18, where he started in a restaurant kitchen and eventually became a sommelier. After gaining experience in the vibrant Australian wine industry, he returned… Read More »
If you’ve enjoyed a glass of Lugana while relaxing at Lake Garda, you might want to reconsider its potential. This white wine region, split between Lombardy and Veneto, deserves more attention than just being labeled a casual holiday sip. The wines, made primarily from the local Turbiana grape, exhibit both fruit-forward characteristics and structural complexity,… Read More »
In 1985, Italy established a law allowing farmers to offer hospitality services, aimed at preserving rural heritage and providing struggling farms with alternative income sources. This legislation sparked the rise of ‘agriturismo’, especially in Tuscany, where historic estates began welcoming visitors, transforming centuries-old agricultural properties into experiential destinations. Mania Castelli, who operates La Torre alle… Read More »
Mateus Nicolau de Almeida comes from a celebrated winemaking lineage, being the son of João Nicolau d’Almeida of Ramos Pinto and the grandson of Fernando Nicolau d’Almeida, the founder of Barca Velha in 1952. His upbringing in a vineyard-rich environment propelled him into a global exploration of wines, including significant experiences with Denis Dubourdieu in… Read More »
In Search of the Soul of St-Emilion Colin Gent MW takes us on a journey through St-Emilion, often hailed as "The Burgundy of Bordeaux," characterized by its diverse terroirs and vibrant wine culture. Despite the prevailing narrative that Bordeaux is facing a crisis with waning interest in its wines, St-Emilion continues to draw over a… Read More »